Flash Gordon 35-05-18 (04) Death Battle Won by Flash

Summary

Flash Gordon 35-05-18 (04) Death Battle Won by Flash – Summary

Release Date: June 7, 2025
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Death Battle Won by Flash

Introduction

In this thrilling installment of Flash Gordon, listeners are plunged deeper into the interplanetary adventures of their heroic protagonist as he faces new challenges on the planet Mongolia. This episode, titled "Death Battle Won by Flash," continues the saga of Flash Gordon, his steadfast companion Dale Arden, and the ingenious Dr. Zharkoff as they navigate the treacherous political and physical landscapes orchestrated by their nemesis, Emperor Ming the Merciless, and his formidable daughter, Princess Aura.

Plot Summary

Bargaining for Survival

The episode kicks off with Flash Gordon and his allies captured and imprisoned by King Voltan, the mighty ruler of the Hawk Men. In a tense confrontation in the throne room (02:43), Dr. Zharkoff steps forward to negotiate:

Dr. Zharkoff: "I do. I can save your city. But if you harm Flash Gordon, I'll doom this city and all of you hawk men to destruction." (02:50)

King Voltan challenges their proposition, questioning how they can salvage the city without their radium:

King Voltan: "But all my radium's gone. You destroyed that yourselves. How can you save us?" (02:56)

Undeterred, Dr. Zharkoff reveals their latest breakthrough—atomic light solidifiers—to maintain the city's suspension in the air. As the clock ticks down, tension mounts, culminating in Voltan agreeing to their terms under one condition: Flash must be freed.

Innovative Solutions and Tense Alliances

Dr. Zharkoff and Prince Baron lead Voltan and his entourage to Zharkoff's newly constructed invention:

Dr. Zharkoff: "This electrical machine is an atomic light solidifier." (04:45)

With the device activated, the city's stability is restored just in time:

Prince Baron: "And the city is saved. The city is saved." (05:21)

In gratitude, King Voltan appoints Dr. Zharkoff as his head scientist and declares a royal wedding to cement their newfound alliance. However, celebrations are short-lived as the imminent threat of Emperor Ming's air fleet looms over Mongolia.

The Tournament of Death

Emperor Ming's arrival introduces a new antagonist, Princess Aura, who demands Flash Gordon as her bride. Refusing, King Voltan declares a Tournament of Death:

King Voltan: "I call for a tournament of death." (07:48)

The arena is set in a colossal bowl-shaped stadium, where Flash and Prince Baron find themselves as the last contenders. As the tournament progresses, Flash faces daunting foes but is unexpectedly saved by a masked champion, whose identity shocks everyone:

Narrator: "The masked champion... was Prince Baron." (10:26)

Climactic Resolution

In the final duel, both Flash Gordon and Prince Baronfall, the masked fighter, emerge victorious by saving each other from certain death. Faced with their bravery, Princess Aura and King Voltan relent:

King Voltan: "None of your trickery, men. Proclaim them both kings." (13:03)

Princess Aura bestows upon them the kingdoms of the forest and the cave, recognizing their valor despite the kingdoms remaining unconquered:

Princess Aura: "True, Voltan, but these are brave men. Let them try." (13:25)

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Zharkoff on Saving the City:
  "I can save your city. But if you harm Flash Gordon, I'll doom this city and all of you hawk men to destruction."
  (02:50)

• Prince Baron on Time Running Out:
  "The city will remain suspended only 20 minutes more. There is no time to waste."
  (03:21)

• Princess Aura on the Contestants:
  "So be it. But I shall choose their kingdoms."
  (13:07)

Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Flash Gordon and Prince Baron are hailed as heroes and new kings, setting the stage for future adventures and the challenges of ruling their respective kingdoms. Princess Aura's decree hints at ongoing tensions and the promise of further trials. The narrator leaves listeners eager for the next episode, teasing more exciting developments in the amazing interplanetary adventures of Flash Gordon.

Teaser for Next Episode

What challenges await Flash Gordon as he attempts to govern the unconquered kingdom of the caves? Tune in next week on Harold's Old Time Radio for another captivating chapter in this legendary saga.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections have been omitted to focus solely on the episode's narrative.

Transcript

[Teen Advocate]

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[Narrator]

Presenting the amazing interplanetary adventures of Flash Gordon. These thrilling adventures come to you as they are pictured each Sunday in the Comic Weekly, the world's greatest pictorial supplement of humor and adventure. The Comic weekly, Now printed in 32 tabloid size pages, each page in full four colors, is distributed everywhere as an integral part of your Hearst Sunday newspaper. For the benefit of those who may not have heard the earlier episodes, let us explain that Flash Gordon, the internationally famous American athlete, and Dale Arden, his beautiful American sweetheart, and Dr. Zharkoff, the well known scientist, were thrown onto the new planet Mongolia when their experimental rocket ship crashed. After a series of adventures with the Emperor Ming the Merciless and his beautiful daughter Aura, who fell deeply in love with Flash, the two Americans, together with Dr. Zakoff, th Prince of the Lion Men and Prince Baron were sentenced to the prison city of the Hawk Men. There the men were tortured while King Voltan, mighty ruler of the Hawkman, made plans to marry Dale. Flash and his companions escaped from the torture chambers and Flash bound Dale in time to save her from the marriage. But they were trapped by soldiers and again fell into Voltan's hands. Then there was a terrible rumbling sound. The floor started to tip, the walls began to crack open and the lights went out. Now we continue the story in the crumbling palace of Voltan. Amid the shouts of the disorganized guards, Flash and Dale break away. But the mighty king flies into the air and hurling himself on Flash, drags him to the floor and prepares to execute him by his own hand. Meanwhile, Dr. Zharkoff and Prince Baron are rushing toward the throne room.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

My schemes work, Barry now to drive our bargain with Voltan. If we are not too late.

[Prince Baron]

With the light beams diffusing at the present rate, friend Zharkoff, the city will remain in mid air only for another half hour.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

If Voltan will listen to us, there is enough time, but we must not waste a minute. Here we are at the throne room.

[Prince Baron]

Look, Poltan has his sword at like Gordon's throat.

[King Voltan]

Stop. Stop.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[King Voltan]

Who dares give me orders?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

I do. I can save your city. But if you harm Flash Gordon, I'll doom this city and all of you hawk men to destruction.

[King Voltan]

But all my radium's gone. You destroyed that yourselves. How can you save us?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

Since Barden and I have been experimenting with other atom rays.

[King Voltan]

Experimenting? Enough of this. I should have killed Flash Gordon, but for your arrival. And bluff. Now I shall finish the goblin.

[Dale Arden]

Oh, lost, my darling.

[Prince Baron]

Be brave, Dale. This big windbag is bluffing now.

[King Voltan]

Bluffing, am I? I'll show you.

[Prince Baron]

Listen to us, you fat fool. Your city will remain suspended only 20 minutes more. There is no time to waste.

[King Voltan]

What do you think you can do to save the city, you wizard?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

We have found a way to make new light beams to hold the city safely suspended in the air.

[King Voltan]

What kind of trick is this?

[Prince Baron]

It's no trick.

[King Voltan]

Then let us see what you propose to do. But what?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

I will save your city. On one condition.

[King Voltan]

You know when to drive a bargain, oh wizard of the Earth. Very well. Flash Gordon shall go free. If you save my city, you must.

[Narrator]

Also free Dale and Zakoff and Baron.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

Absolutely.

[Prince Baron]

Be quick, Bolton. The precious minutes are flying. Give us your answer.

[King Voltan]

I'll pardon you all if my city is saved.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

Then follow me.

[King Voltan]

Where are you going to take us?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

Into this private elevator first.

[Prince Baron]

Where are we going, Dr. Zarka?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

Baron and I discovered a room under the hall of Atom Furnaces which had been stored with scientific apparatus. With the help of slaves, we constructed my newest invention. Didn't we, Barren?

[Prince Baron]

Yes, we did, friend Zakos. I only hope this bull headed monarch hasn't delayed us too long with this arguing. There isn't much time left to save the city.

[Dale Arden]

We're tipping over. How much further do we have to descend?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

We will be below the foundation in a moment.

[King Voltan]

What is this remarkable discovery, wizard of the Earth?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

You shall see, you shall.

[Prince Baron]

We're here. Hurry out, everyone. Hold fast to my hand, Dale.

[Dale Arden]

Oh, Flash. Do you think Dr. Zharkoff will be able to save us?

[Prince Baron]

I know he'll do his best.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

There is my invention.

[King Voltan]

What is that mass of tubes and wires?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

This electrical machine is an atomic light solidifier.

[King Voltan]

It will strengthen the beam.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

Keep everybody back. Baron, I must have room to work.

[Prince Baron]

Stand back everybody.

[King Voltan]

Baron, do you think this machine will work?

[Prince Baron]

Quiet. Professor Zharkoff is throwing the switch.

[Dale Arden]

What is that weird bluish light?

[Prince Baron]

A new ray is made by the Atomsdale.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Prince Baron]

The city seems to be getting back on an even keel by Tom. So it is how is it working, Fandaco?

[Dr. Zharkoff]

Splendid so far. The lightning supporting the city are becoming stronger and stronger.

[Prince Baron]

And the city is saved. The city is saved.

[King Voltan]

He's done it. All of you are free.

[Prince Baron]

I say. You're crying.

[Dale Arden]

I'm so happy. We're saved.

[King Voltan]

Zharkov, come here.

[Prince Baron]

He said he could do it. And he did. Yes.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

King Vtan.

[King Voltan]

You summon me, Zharkok, you shall be my head scientist.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

Gultan, this is more than I expect. I am grateful, deeply grateful. And appreciative of the honor.

[King Voltan]

Lash and Dale.

[Dale Arden]

Yes. Impressive. Majesty.

[Prince Baron]

What is it, King van?

[King Voltan]

As proof of our future friendship, I shall give you a royal wedding tomorrow. And tonight we shall have a banquet to celebrate it.

[Prince Baron]

Having a good time, Dale?

[Dale Arden]

Wonderful time, Flint. It hardly seems possible that we should be married tomorrow. I don't dare believe it until we are actually being married.

[Prince Baron]

You mustn't feel that way, Dale. It's your nerve. Well, my friend, tomorrow will be the big day.

[Dale Arden]

I'm not so sure.

[Prince Baron]

Dale is just worrying about nothing. Better. It's almost tomorrow. Dale. What can happen now?

[Dale Arden]

During the excitement of the threatened destruction of the city, the princess aura disappears.

[Prince Baron]

Oh, is that all that worries you? I should think you'd be glad she's not here.

[King Voltan]

I am. Well, lovebirds, are you enjoying yourselves?

[Dale Arden]

Oh, yes, thank you. Impressive. Majesty.

[Narrator]

Majesty. Majesty.

[King Voltan]

Eh? What is it?

[Narrator]

The air fleet of Ming the Merciless is approaching the city.

[Dale Arden]

What did I tell you? There'll be no wedding for us tomorrow.

[King Voltan]

We'll die fighting.

[Prince Baron]

No, Bo. Let us take our chances on escaping. Give us a rocket ship.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

No use, lads. They were damaged when the city tilted.

[Narrator]

His universal majesty, emperor of Mongol King.

[Dale Arden]

The merciless and princess Oro. Now there will be trouble.

[Prince Baron]

Steady, Dale, darling.

[Narrator]

There'll be a way out of this.

[King Voltan]

Greeting and welcome, Emperor Ming.

[Princess Aura]

So, bomb. You have become friends with the prisoners. Turn over this earth man to my torturer and to me deliver my promised bride. Still aan. I command it now.

[Prince Baron]

Father.

[Princess Aura]

You promised flesh Gordon to me as my share of the spoil.

[King Voltan]

Old men. By the ancient laws of the sacred laws of the great cow who is all wise, I call for a tournament of death.

[Princess Aura]

A tournament? Antiplash garden would enter. Yes, fine stuff. A tournament. And all the planet will see him fail and die. So be it.

[Narrator]

Between four mountains nestles a mammoth bowl shaped arena toward which most of Mongol pours in never ending streams. It is the day of the start of the tournament of death in which all of the contestants but one will meet death. And Flash Gordon is Going to enter. He and Dale occupy seats of honor in Voltan's box. Princess Aura enters the arena on a golden throne carried by six blue dragon men.

[Prince Baron]

Here comes Aura in all her glory.

[King Voltan]

Wild, treacherous and cruel. But my boy.

[Dale Arden]

Oh, I don't know the rest.

[King Voltan]

Here comes Ygritt, king of the lion men.

[Prince Baron]

Dragon men are frightened by the lion.

[King Voltan]

They've dropped the princess where you are, my boy. Prince Baron is already picking her up.

[Dale Arden]

He seems to be smiling at him. I wonder what.

[Princess Aura]

Prince Baron, you have saved my life. Why did you do it after the way I treated you?

[Prince Baron]

Because, my princess, you are a woman. A beautiful woman. And I can no longer deny the fact that I love you.

[Dale Arden]

But whatever it is he's saying, I wish he'd get interested in somebody else and leave you alone. Flash.

[King Voltan]

The tournament is about to begin. Flash, there's your horse. Here, take this sword, my boy. It's the one with which I became king of the Hawkmen. Take it and justify my faith in you.

[Dale Arden]

And my faith too.

[Prince Baron]

Thanks, darling. And thank you, Bothun. I'll do my best.

[Narrator]

In another box, Prince Baron reaches a decision.

[Prince Baron]

Zharkoff, I'm going to enter the tournament, win back my kingdom and Ming's daughter, Princess Ora for my bride.

[Dr. Zharkoff]

Do not be a fool, Prince Baron. Why run the risk of being killed?

[Prince Baron]

Wish me luck, my friend. I go to do battle.

[Narrator]

The battle royal with every horseman for himself. As the fight rages around him, Flash is beset by two yellow guardsmen. He vanquishes one, and as he is attacked by the other, he falls from his horse. Before the yellow man can drive home a death thrust. A masked fighter saves Flash. And the first great test of the tournament of debt End. A banquet is held for the survivors.

[Dale Arden]

Are you sure you're all right, Flash?

[Narrator]

I?

[Prince Baron]

Of course, Sam.

[Dale Arden]

If it hadn't been for that masked fighter, you would be dead now. Oh, why did you enter this horrible tournament?

[Prince Baron]

To win freedom, a kingdom, and what's more important, you, my dear.

[Dale Arden]

Look. The masked fighter is with this as aura.

[Princess Aura]

Ah, the masked champions. Are you a criminal fearing arrest Or a noble fearing recognition?

[Prince Baron]

Blue blood or red, my lady will flow in the arena just as freely for your amusement.

[Princess Aura]

Yes. Wear this scarf as a token. But do not stain it with your blood.

[Prince Baron]

Fair lady, a kiss from your gorgeous lips. I would face the legions of Tao.

[Princess Aura]

Insolent one. I'll have you torture.

[Prince Baron]

Who can punish the living dead of the tournament? Goodbye, you beautiful devil. I go to fight for your hand. That masked champion. I swear I know his voice. The call has sounded. I must go back to the fight. Goodbye, Dale.

[Dale Arden]

Goodbye. Goodbye and good luck, my darling. Oh, king Wotan, when will this awful tourney end?

[King Voltan]

I know it seems horrible to you, little bird, but it is better that flesh should die honorably in the field of battle than at the hands of Ming's torturers. If he wins this final event, he will be a king and you will be his queen.

[Narrator]

The trumpet blow and the last contestants line up two by two. They mount the sky rope stretched over a flaming pool to joust with swords. And one after another, they are eliminated by death. Finally, only Flash Gordon and the masked champion are left. Flash loses his balance and falls down toward the flaming pool, but his hands catch hold of the rope and he hangs on. The masked champion, thrown off balance, also falls, but saves himself by grasping Flash Gordon's leg. His mask falls off, revealing prince baron. The crowd demands that both men shall live, and they are brought before wotan and smitening the merciless.

[King Voltan]

None of your trickery, men. Proclaim them both kings.

[Princess Aura]

So be it. But I shall choose their kingdoms. To prince Marin and my daughter Aura, I give the kingdom of the forest. To Flash Gordon. And the earth girl, I give the kingdom of the cave.

[King Voltan]

You fiends. You know neither kingdom has been conquered.

[Princess Aura]

True, Valtan, but these are brave men. Let them try. They can hold their weddings in their own kingdoms if they live that long.

[Narrator]

What will happen to Flash Gordon when he attempts to rule over the unconquered kingdom of the caves? You'll know next week at the same time when he'll be back with another chapter of the amazing interplanetary adventures of Flash Gordon. And by the way, what is your favorite picture feature? Bringing up father skippy, the catnyama kid, the little king Mickey mouse, Or if you like thrills, then ace drummond or jungle Jim, Radio patrol or Red Barry. But no matter, whatever your favorite, you'll find it next Sunday in the big 32 page comic weekly. Along with toots and Casper Tilly, the toiler, little Annie Rooney, Tim Tyler's luck and many others. For the big 32 page comic weekly brings you each Sunday the funniest merry makers and the most daring adventurers in the world of pictures. Be sure to get your copy of the comic weekly next Sunday with your hearst Sunday newspaper and listen for the amazing interplanetary adventures of Flash Gordon next week on this station.

[Teen Advocate]

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